In the face of chronic power challenges hindering Africa’s development ranging from insufficient generation capacity to low connectivity, poor reliability, and high costs MSC recently shipped 30 transformers to Julius Nyerere Hydro Electric Power Plant project in Tanzania from Mundra Port, India.

The ongoing project nestled along the Rufiji River in Stiegler’s Gorge, Morogoro Region, southwest of Dar es Salaam is intended to address two key things – generate a robust electricity of 2115MW as well as water capacity for 17 million families. Additionally, the dam controls water flow to protect the environment from the risks of floods and swamps.

“At MSC, we are confident that our involvement in Tanzania’s energy sector will catalyse future breakthroughs. Our recent shipment to Dar es Salaam exemplifies our steadfast commitment to fuelling growth and success throughout the continent,” comments Noel Quiambao, Managing Director at MSC Tanzania.

Tanzania’s dedicated efforts to combat electricity shortages and drive industrialization through hydropower plant projects underscore the nation’s commitment to sustainable industrialization and the transition to renewable energy sources.

MSC has transported multiple loads of transformers to Dar es Salaam, with a combined weight of 750 MT. These transformers, rated at 175MV and 220/132/11KV – 3PH, PT Tanesco, are crucial for Tanzania’s ambitious mission to develop five hydropower plant projects. These initiatives are aligned with the government’s vision to electrify millions, promote industrialization, and encourage the adoption of renewable energy. This is an inspiring narrative in the making. Once the project is completed, these transformers will increase the transmission voltage from 14 kV to 400 kV, resulting in a significant capacity leap to 2,100 MW and an annual production of 5.9 GWh.

Paskal Madede, Sales Manager at MSC Tanzania adds, “This shipment exemplifies the vast potential within Tanzania’s energy sector and its pivotal contribution to the nation’s economic advancement. With our specialized shipping services, we are dedicated to fostering the growth and prosperity of Tanzania’s energy industry.” He also emphasizes the critical nature of handling such equipment, singling out the significance of port crane weight limits, meticulous safety measures, and careful gear selection to ensure equipment security during transit.

Transformers on containerships

The transportation of heavy and fragile components, such as transformers, to remote power plants in Africa presents unique complexities and challenges. These locations underscore the critical role of logistics in ensuring the success of hydropower plant installations, spanning shipping, freight, and rail operations.

As Anna Chambiri, Import Manager at MSC Tanzania, aptly puts it, “Only logistics experts of MSC’s calibre possess the acumen to fully grasp the indispensable safety protocols, specialized container solutions, and cutting-edge transportation technologies indispensable for safeguarding these crucial components.”

Cargo is stored in specially prepared beds with multiple flat racks within the vessels. As a crucial part of its meticulous planning and feasibility assessments, MSC utilized 3D modelling to illustrate the handling, storage, and lashing requirements.

“As MSC actively supports Tanzania’s transition to green energy and industrialization, we reiterate the significance of this story in highlighting the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the challenges of sustainable industrialization in Africa,” concludes, Quiambao.